ARTS BRIEFLY | Surprise From Prince

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

Published: September 17, 2007

Prince fans who turned out for his performance at the O2 arena in London on Thursday night got a surprise: Elton John, below, the BBC reported. At the start of Prince's encore, Mr. John appeared unannounced onstage to sing the Beatles' ''Long and Winding Road,'' while Prince accompanied him on guitar. Afterward, the two embraced, and Prince said to the crowd, ''You know who it is -- Sir Elton John.'' Prince then went on to perform seven more songs. Fans who waited around 15 minutes after the house lights went up got a second treat. Prince and the band returned to the stage for a second encore. His 21-date residency at the O2 comes to an end this week.